2006 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 150A. DENTISTRY

150A.01 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Applicability. As used in sections 150A.01 to 150A.12, the following terms
shall have the meanings given them.
    Subd. 2. Board. "Board" means the state Board of Dentistry.
    Subd. 3. Dental technician. "Dental technician" means a person performing acts authorized
under section 150A.10, subdivision 3.
    Subd. 4. Dental hygienist. "Dental hygienist" means a person licensed pursuant to sections
150A.01 to 150A.12 to perform the services authorized pursuant to section 150A.10, subdivision
1 , or any other services authorized by sections 150A.01 to 150A.12.
    Subd. 5. Dental assistant. "Dental assistant" means a person performing acts authorized
under section 150A.10, subdivision 2.
    Subd. 6. Dentist. "Dentist" means a dentist licensed pursuant to sections 150A.01 to 150A.12.
    Subd. 6a. Faculty dentist. "Faculty dentist" means a person who is licensed to practice
dentistry as a faculty member of a school of dentistry, pursuant to section 150A.06, subdivision 1a.
    Subd. 7. Person. "Person" includes an individual, corporation, partnership, association or
any other legal entity.
    Subd. 8. Registered dental assistant. "Registered dental assistant" means a person
registered pursuant to section 150A.06.
    Subd. 8a. Resident dentist. "Resident dentist" means a person who is licensed to practice
dentistry as an enrolled graduate student or student of an advanced education program accredited
by the American Dental Association Commission on Accreditation.
    Subd. 9. State. "State," when used in reference to a state other than Minnesota, means any
other state of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History: 1969 c 974 s 1; 1976 c 263 s 1; 1983 c 70 s 2; 1993 c 84 s 1,2; 2005 c 147 art 4 s 1

150A.02 BOARD OF DENTISTRY.
    Subdivision 1. Generally. There is hereby created a Board of Dentistry whose duty it shall
be to carry out the purposes and enforce the provisions of sections 150A.01 to 150A.12. The
board shall consist of two public members as defined by section 214.02, five qualified resident
dentists, one qualified resident registered dental assistant, and one qualified resident dental
hygienist appointed by the governor. Membership terms, compensation of members, removal of
members, the filling of membership vacancies, and fiscal year and reporting requirements shall
be as provided in sections 214.07 to 214.09. The provision of staff, administrative services and
office space; the review and processing of board complaints; the setting of board fees; and other
provisions relating to board operations shall be as provided in chapter 214. Each board member
who is a dentist, registered dental assistant, or dental hygienist shall have been lawfully in active
practice in this state for five years immediately preceding appointment; and no board member shall
be eligible for appointment to more than two consecutive four-year terms, and members serving
on the board at the time of the enactment hereof shall be eligible to reappointment provided they
shall not have served more than nine consecutive years at the expiration of the term to which they
are to be appointed. At least 90 days prior to the expiration of the terms of dentists, registered
dental assistants, or dental hygienists, the Minnesota Dental Association, Minnesota Dental
Assistants Association, or the Minnesota State Dental Hygiene Association shall recommend to
the governor for each term expiring not less than two dentists, two registered dental assistants, or
two dental hygienists, respectively, who are qualified to serve on the board, and from the list so
recommended the governor may appoint members to the board for the term of four years, the
appointments to be made within 30 days after the expiration of the terms. Within 60 days after
the occurrence of a dentist, registered dental assistant or dental hygienist vacancy, prior to the
expiration of the term, in the board, the Minnesota Dental Association, the Minnesota Dental
Assistants Association, or the Minnesota State Dental Hygiene Association shall recommend to
the governor not less than two dentists, two registered dental assistants, or two dental hygienists,
who are qualified to serve on the board and from the list so recommended the governor, within 30
days after receiving such list of dentists, may appoint one member to the board for the unexpired
term occasioned by such vacancy. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be made within 90 days
after the occurrence of such vacancy. The first four-year term of the dental hygienist and of the
registered dental assistant shall commence on the first Monday in January, 1977.
    Subd. 2.[Repealed, 1975 c 136 s 77]
History: 1969 c 974 s 2; 1973 c 638 s 25; 1975 c 136 s 25; 1976 c 222 s 73; 1976 c 239 s
57; 1976 c 263 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 199 art 1 s 44

150A.03 OFFICERS; SALARIES; EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES.
    Subdivision 1. Officers. The board shall elect from its members a president, a vice-president,
and a secretary. The board shall have a common seal. It may hold meetings at such times as
may be necessary and as it may determine. The board may affiliate and participate, both in
and out-of-state, with regional and national testing agencies for the purpose of conducting
examinations for licensure and registration. The fee charged by such an agency for conducting
the examination may be in addition to the application fee established by the board pursuant
to section 150A.06.
    Subd. 2. Executive secretary; funds. The board shall appoint an executive secretary who
shall not be a member of the board and who shall be in the unclassified civil service. The board
may accept any funds which may be made available to the board from any source. All funds
received by the board under sections 150A.01 to 150A.12 shall be paid to the executive secretary
thereof. The expenses of administering sections 150A.01 to 150A.12 shall be paid from the
appropriation made to the Board of Dentistry.
    Subd. 3. Expenses, national associations. The board may expend the necessary funds
for its offices and furniture, fixtures, and supplies. The board may affiliate with the American
Association of Dental Examiners as an active member and pay regular annual dues to this
association, and send members of the board as delegates to the meetings of the American
Association of Dental Examiners.
History: 1969 c 974 s 3; 1973 c 507 s 45; 1973 c 638 s 26; 1975 c 136 s 26-28; 1976 c
222 s 74; 1978 c 770 s 1

150A.04 RULES OF BOARD.
    Subdivision 1.[Repealed, 1976 c 222 s 209]
    Subd. 2.[Repealed, 1976 c 222 s 209]
    Subd. 3.[Repealed, 1976 c 222 s 209]
    Subd. 4.[Repealed, 1976 c 222 s 209]
    Subd. 5. Rules. The board may promulgate rules as are necessary to carry out and make
effective the provisions and purposes of sections 150A.01 to 150A.12, in accordance with chapter
14. The rules may specify training and education necessary for administering general anesthesia
and intravenous conscious sedation.
History: 1969 c 974 s 4; 1976 c 222 s 75; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1984 c 491 s 1; 1985 c 248 s
70; 1995 c 233 art 2 s 56; 1997 c 187 art 5 s 20

150A.05 LICENSED DENTAL PRACTICE.
    Subdivision 1. Practice of dentistry. A person shall be deemed to be practicing dentistry
within the meaning of sections 150A.01 to 150A.12:
(1) who uses a dental degree, or designation, or card, device, directory, sign, or other media
whereby the person represents an ability to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or operate for any disease,
pain, deformity, deficiency, injury, or physical condition of the human tooth, teeth, alveolar
process, gums or jaw, or adjacent or associated structures;
(2) who is a manager, proprietor, operator or conductor of a place where dental operations
are performed;
(3) who performs dental operations of any kind gratuitously, or for a fee, gift, compensation
or reward, paid or to be paid, to any person or agency;
(4) who uses a roentgen or X-ray machine for dental treatment, roentgenograms or for
dental diagnostic purposes;
(5) who extracts a human tooth or teeth, or corrects or attempts to correct malpositions
of the human teeth or jaws;
(6) who offers and undertakes, by any means or method, to diagnose, treat or remove stains
or accretions from human teeth or jaws;
(7) who takes impressions of the human tooth, teeth, or jaws or performs any phase of any
operation incident to the replacement of a part of a tooth, a tooth, teeth or associated tissues by
means of a filling, a crown, a bridge, a denture or other appliance;
(8) who furnishes, supplies, constructs, reproduces, repairs, or offers to furnish, supply,
construct, reproduce or repair prosthetic dentures or plates, bridges or other substitutes for natural
teeth, to the user or prospective user thereof; or
(9) who performs any clinical operation included in the curricula of recognized dental
schools and colleges.
    Subd. 1a. Practice of dental hygienists. A person shall be deemed to be practicing as a
dental hygienist within the meaning of sections 150A.01 to 150A.12:
(1) who provides care that is educational, preventive, and therapeutic through observation,
assessment, evaluation, counseling, and therapeutic services to establish and maintain oral health;
(2) who evaluates patient health status through review of medical and dental histories,
assesses and plans dental hygiene care needs, performs a prophylaxis including complete removal
of calciferous deposits, accretions and stains by scaling, polishing, and performs root planing
and debridement;
(3) who administers local anesthesia and nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia; or
(4) who provides other related services as permitted by the rules of the board.
    Subd. 2. Exemptions and exceptions of certain practices and operations. Sections
150A.01 to 150A.12 do not apply to:
(1) the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene in any branch of the armed services of
the United States, the United States Public Health Service, or the United States Veterans
Administration;
(2) the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental assisting by undergraduate dental
students, dental hygiene students, and dental assisting students of the University of Minnesota,
schools of dental hygiene, or schools of dental assisting approved by the board, when acting
under the direction and supervision of a licensed dentist or a licensed dental hygienist acting
as an instructor;
(3) the practice of dentistry by licensed dentists of other states or countries while appearing
as clinicians under the auspices of a duly approved dental school or college, or a reputable dental
society, or a reputable dental study club composed of dentists;
(4) the actions of persons while they are taking examinations for licensure or registration
administered or approved by the board pursuant to sections 150A.03, subdivision 1, and 150A.06,
subdivisions 1, 2, and 2a ;
(5) the practice of dentistry by dentists and dental hygienists licensed by other states during
their functioning as examiners responsible for conducting licensure or registration examinations
administered by regional and national testing agencies with whom the board is authorized to
affiliate and participate under section 150A.03, subdivision 1, and the practice of dentistry by
the regional and national testing agencies during their administering examinations pursuant
to section 150A.03, subdivision 1;
(6) the use of X-rays or other diagnostic imaging modalities for making radiographs or other
similar records in a hospital under the supervision of a physician or dentist or by a person who
is credentialed to use diagnostic imaging modalities or X-ray machines for dental treatment,
roentgenograms, or dental diagnostic purposes by a credentialing agency other than the Board
of Dentistry; or
(7) the service, other than service performed directly upon the person of a patient, of
constructing, altering, repairing, or duplicating any denture, partial denture, crown, bridge, splint,
orthodontic, prosthetic, or other dental appliance, when performed according to a written work
order from a licensed dentist in accordance with section 150A.10, subdivision 3.
History: 1969 c 974 s 5; 1981 c 102 s 1; 1983 c 29 s 1; 1983 c 70 s 3; 1986 c 444; 1993 c 84
s 3; 1996 c 273 s 1

150A.06 LICENSURE.
    Subdivision 1. Dentists. A person of good moral character who has graduated from a
dental program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental
Association, having submitted an application and fee as prescribed by the board, may be examined
by the board or by an agency pursuant to section 150A.03, subdivision 1, in a manner to test the
applicant's fitness to practice dentistry. A graduate of a dental college in another country must not
be disqualified from examination solely because of the applicant's foreign training if the board
determines that the training is equivalent to or higher than that provided by a dental college
accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. In
the case of examinations conducted pursuant to section 150A.03, subdivision 1, applicants shall
take the examination prior to applying to the board for licensure. The examination shall include
an examination of the applicant's knowledge of the laws of Minnesota relating to dentistry and the
rules of the board. An applicant is ineligible to retake the clinical examination required by the
board after failing it twice until further education and training are obtained as specified by the
board by rule. A separate, nonrefundable fee may be charged for each time a person applies. An
applicant who passes the examination in compliance with subdivision 2b, abides by professional
ethical conduct requirements, and meets all other requirements of the board shall be licensed to
practice dentistry and granted a general dentist license by the board.
    Subd. 1a. Faculty dentists. (a) Faculty members of a school of dentistry must be licensed
in order to practice dentistry as defined in section 150A.05. The board may issue to members
of the faculty of a school of dentistry a license designated as either a "limited faculty license"
or a "full faculty license" entitling the holder to practice dentistry within the terms described in
paragraph (b) or (c). The dean of a school of dentistry and program directors of a Minnesota
dental hygiene or dental assisting school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
of the American Dental Association shall certify to the board those members of the school's
faculty who practice dentistry but are not licensed to practice dentistry in Minnesota. A faculty
member who practices dentistry as defined in section 150A.05, before beginning duties in a
school of dentistry or a dental hygiene or dental assisting school, shall apply to the board for a
limited or full faculty license. Pursuant to Minnesota Rules, chapter 3100, and at the discretion
of the board, a limited faculty license must be renewed annually and a full faculty license must
be renewed biennially. The faculty applicant shall pay a nonrefundable fee set by the board for
issuing and renewing the faculty license. The faculty license is valid during the time the holder
remains a member of the faculty of a school of dentistry or a dental hygiene or dental assisting
school and subjects the holder to this chapter.
(b) The board may issue to dentist members of the faculty of a Minnesota school of dentistry,
dental hygiene, or dental assisting accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of
the American Dental Association, a license designated as a limited faculty license entitling the
holder to practice dentistry within the school and its affiliated teaching facilities, but only for the
purposes of teaching or conducting research. The practice of dentistry at a school facility for
purposes other than teaching or research is not allowed unless the dentist was a faculty member
on August 1, 1993.
(c) The board may issue to dentist members of the faculty of a Minnesota school of dentistry,
dental hygiene, or dental assisting accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the
American Dental Association a license designated as a full faculty license entitling the holder
to practice dentistry within the school and its affiliated teaching facilities and elsewhere if the
holder of the license is employed 50 percent time or more by the school in the practice of
teaching or research, and upon successful review by the board of the applicant's qualifications
as described in subdivisions 1, 1c, and 4 and board rule. The board, at its discretion, may waive
specific licensing prerequisites.
    Subd. 1b. Resident dentists. A person who is a graduate of a dental school and is an enrolled
graduate student or student of an accredited advanced dental education program and who is
not licensed to practice dentistry in the state shall obtain from the board a license to practice
dentistry as a resident dentist. The license must be designated "resident dentist license" and
authorizes the licensee to practice dentistry only under the supervision of a licensed dentist. A
resident dentist license must be renewed annually pursuant to the board's rules. An applicant for a
resident dentist license shall pay a nonrefundable fee set by the board for issuing and renewing
the license. The requirements of sections 150A.01 to 150A.21 apply to resident dentists except
as specified in rules adopted by the board. A resident dentist license does not qualify a person
for licensure under subdivision 1.
    Subd. 1c. Specialty dentists. (a) The board may grant a specialty license in the specialty
areas of dentistry that are recognized by the American Dental Association.
(b) An applicant for a specialty license shall:
(1) have successfully completed a postdoctoral specialty education program accredited by
the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, or have announced
a limitation of practice before 1967;
(2) have been certified by a specialty examining board approved by the Minnesota Board of
Dentistry, or provide evidence of having passed a clinical examination for licensure required for
practice in any state or Canadian province, or in the case of oral and maxillofacial surgeons only,
have a Minnesota medical license in good standing;
(3) have been in active practice or a postdoctoral specialty education program or United
States government service at least 2,000 hours in the 36 months prior to applying for a specialty
license;
(4) if requested by the board, be interviewed by a committee of the board, which may include
the assistance of specialists in the evaluation process, and satisfactorily respond to questions
designed to determine the applicant's knowledge of dental subjects and ability to practice;
(5) if requested by the board, present complete records on a sample of patients treated by the
applicant. The sample must be drawn from patients treated by the applicant during the 36 months
preceding the date of application. The number of records shall be established by the board. The
records shall be reasonably representative of the treatment typically provided by the applicant;
(6) at board discretion, pass a board-approved English proficiency test if English is not
the applicant's primary language;
(7) pass all components of the National Dental Board examinations;
(8) pass the Minnesota Board of Dentistry jurisprudence examination;
(9) abide by professional ethical conduct requirements; and
(10) meet all other requirements prescribed by the Board of Dentistry.
(c) The application must include:
(1) a completed application furnished by the board;
(2) at least two character references from two different dentists, one of whom must be a
dentist practicing in the same specialty area, and the other the director of the specialty program
attended;
(3) a licensed physician's statement attesting to the applicant's physical and mental condition;
(4) a statement from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist attesting to the applicant's
visual acuity;
(5) a nonrefundable fee; and
(6) a notarized, unmounted passport-type photograph, three inches by three inches, taken not
more than six months before the date of application.
(d) A specialty dentist holding a specialty license is limited to practicing in the dentist's
designated specialty area. The scope of practice must be defined by each national specialty board
recognized by the American Dental Association.
(e) A specialty dentist holding a general dentist license is limited to practicing in the dentist's
designated specialty area if the dentist has announced a limitation of practice. The scope of
practice must be defined by each national specialty board recognized by the American Dental
Association.
(f) All specialty dentists who have fulfilled the specialty dentist requirements and who intend
to limit their practice to a particular specialty area may apply for a specialty license.
    Subd. 2. Dental hygienists. A person of good moral character, who has graduated from a
dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American
Dental Association and established in an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the
United States Department of Education to offer college-level programs, may apply for licensure.
The dental hygiene program must provide a minimum of two academic years of dental hygiene
education. The applicant must submit an application and fee as prescribed by the board and a
diploma or certificate of dental hygiene. Prior to being licensed, the applicant must pass the
National Board of Dental Hygiene examination and a board approved examination designed to
determine the applicant's clinical competency. In the case of examinations conducted pursuant to
section 150A.03, subdivision 1, applicants shall take the examination before applying to the board
for licensure. The applicant must also pass an examination testing the applicant's knowledge of the
laws of Minnesota relating to the practice of dentistry and of the rules of the board. An applicant
is ineligible to retake the clinical examination required by the board after failing it twice until
further education and training are obtained as specified by board rule. A separate, nonrefundable
fee may be charged for each time a person applies. An applicant who passes the examination in
compliance with subdivision 2b, abides by professional ethical conduct requirements, and meets
all the other requirements of the board shall be licensed as a dental hygienist.
    Subd. 2a. Registered dental assistant. A person of good moral character, who has graduated
from a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of
the American Dental Association, may apply for registration. The applicant must submit an
application and fee as prescribed by the board and the diploma or certificate of dental assisting.
In the case of examinations conducted pursuant to section 150A.03, subdivision 1, applicants
shall take the examination before applying to the board for registration. The examination shall
include an examination of the applicant's knowledge of the laws of Minnesota relating to dentistry
and the rules of the board. An applicant is ineligible to retake the registration examination
required by the board after failing it twice until further education and training are obtained as
specified by board rule. A separate, nonrefundable fee may be charged for each time a person
applies. An applicant who passes the examination in compliance with subdivision 2b, abides by
professional ethical conduct requirements, and meets all the other requirements of the board shall
be registered as a dental assistant.
    Subd. 2b. Examination. When the Board of Dentistry administers the examination for
licensure or registration, only those board members or board-appointed deputy examiners
qualified for the particular examination may administer it. An examination which the board
requires as a condition of licensure or registration must have been taken within the five years
before the board receives the application for licensure or registration.
    Subd. 2c. Guest license or registration. (a) The board shall grant a guest license to practice
as a dentist or dental hygienist or a guest registration to practice as a dental assistant if the
following conditions are met:
(1) the dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant is currently licensed or registered in good
standing in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, or Wisconsin;
(2) the dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant is currently engaged in the practice of that
person's respective profession in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, or Wisconsin;
(3) the dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant will limit that person's practice to a public
health setting in Minnesota that (i) is approved by the board; (ii) was established by a nonprofit
organization that is tax exempt under chapter 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
and (iii) provides dental care to patients who have difficulty accessing dental care;
(4) the dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant agrees to treat indigent patients who meet
the eligibility criteria established by the clinic; and
(5) the dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant has applied to the board for a guest license
or registration and has paid a nonrefundable license fee to the board not to exceed $75.
(b) A guest license or registration must be renewed annually with the board and an annual
renewal fee not to exceed $75 must be paid to the board.
(c) A dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant practicing under a guest license or
registration under this subdivision shall have the same obligations as a dentist, dental hygienist,
or dental assistant who is licensed in Minnesota and shall be subject to the laws and rules of
Minnesota and the regulatory authority of the board. If the board suspends or revokes the guest
license or registration of, or otherwise disciplines, a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant
practicing under this subdivision, the board shall promptly report such disciplinary action to the
dentist's, dental hygienist's, or dental assistant's regulatory board in the border state.
    Subd. 2d. Continuing education and professional development waiver. (a) The board
shall grant a waiver to the continuing education requirements under this chapter for a licensed
dentist, licensed dental hygienist, or registered dental assistant who documents to the satisfaction
of the board that the dentist, dental hygienist, or registered dental assistant has retired from active
practice in the state and limits the provision of dental care services to those offered without
compensation in a public health, community, or tribal clinic or a nonprofit organization that
provides services to the indigent or to recipients of medical assistance, general assistance medical
care, or MinnesotaCare programs.
(b) The board may require written documentation from the volunteer and retired dentist,
dental hygienist, or registered dental assistant prior to granting this waiver.
(c) The board shall require the volunteer and retired dentist, dental hygienist, or registered
dental assistant to meet the following requirements:
(1) a licensee or registrant seeking a waiver under this subdivision must complete and
document at least five hours of approved courses in infection control, medical emergencies, and
medical management for the continuing education cycle; and
(2) provide documentation of certification in advanced or basic cardiac life support
recognized by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or an equivalent entity.
    Subd. 3. Waiver of examination. (a) All or any part of the examination for dentists or dental
hygienists, except that pertaining to the law of Minnesota relating to dentistry and the rules of the
board, may, at the discretion of the board, be waived for an applicant who presents a certificate of
qualification from the National Board of Dental Examiners or evidence of having maintained
an adequate scholastic standing as determined by the board, in dental school as to dentists, or
dental hygiene school as to dental hygienists.
(b) The board shall waive the clinical examination required for licensure for any dentist
applicant who is a graduate of a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental
Accreditation of the American Dental Association, who has successfully completed all
components of the National Dental Board examination, and who has satisfactorily completed
a Minnesota-based postdoctoral general dentistry residency program (GPR) or an advanced
education in general dentistry (AEGD) program after January 1, 2004. The postdoctoral program
must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental
Association, be of at least one year's duration, and include an outcome assessment evaluation
assessing the resident's competence to practice dentistry. The board may require the applicant
to submit any information deemed necessary by the board to determine whether the waiver
is applicable. The board may waive the clinical examination for an applicant who meets the
requirements of this paragraph and has satisfactorily completed an accredited postdoctoral general
dentistry residency program located outside of Minnesota.
    Subd. 4. Licensure by credentials. (a) Any dentist or dental hygienist may, upon application
and payment of a fee established by the board, apply for licensure based on the applicant's
performance record in lieu of passing an examination approved by the board according to section
150A.03, subdivision 1, and be interviewed by the board to determine if the applicant:
(1) has been in active practice at least 2,000 hours within 36 months of the application date,
or passed a board-approved reentry program within 36 months of the application date;
(2) currently has a license in another state or Canadian province and is not subject to any
pending or final disciplinary action, or if not currently licensed, previously had a license in
another state or Canadian province in good standing that was not subject to any final or pending
disciplinary action at the time of surrender;
(3) is of good moral character and abides by professional ethical conduct requirements;
(4) at board discretion, has passed a board-approved English proficiency test if English
is not the applicant's primary language; and
(5) meets other credentialing requirements specified in board rule.
(b) An applicant who fulfills the conditions of this subdivision and demonstrates the
minimum knowledge in dental subjects required for licensure under subdivision 1 or 2 must be
licensed to practice the applicant's profession.
(c) If the applicant does not demonstrate the minimum knowledge in dental subjects required
for licensure under subdivision 1 or 2, the application must be denied. When denying a license,
the board may notify the applicant of any specific remedy that the applicant could take which,
when passed, would qualify the applicant for licensure. A denial does not prohibit the applicant
from applying for licensure under subdivision 1 or 2.
(d) A candidate whose application has been denied may appeal the decision to the board
according to subdivision 4a.
    Subd. 4a. Appeal of denial of application. A person whose application for licensure or
registration by credentials has been denied may appeal the decision to the board. The board
shall establish an appeals process and inform a denied candidate of the right to appeal and the
process for filing the appeal.
    Subd. 5. Fraud in securing licenses or registrations. Every person implicated in employing
fraud or deception in applying for or securing a license or registration to practice dentistry, dental
hygiene, or dental assisting or in annually renewing a license or registration under sections
150A.01 to 150A.12 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
    Subd. 6. Display of name and certificates. The initial license and subsequent renewal, or
current registration certificate, of every dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant shall be
conspicuously displayed in every office in which that person practices, in plain sight of patients.
Near or on the entrance door to every office where dentistry is practiced, the name of each dentist
practicing there, as inscribed on the current license certificate, shall be displayed in plain sight.
    Subd. 7.[Repealed, 1989 c 285 s 7]
    Subd. 7. Additional remedies for licensure and registration. On a case-by-case basis,
for initial or renewal of licensure or registration, the board may add additional remedies for
deficiencies found based on the applicant's performance, character, and education.
    Subd. 8. Registration by credentials. (a) Any dental assistant may, upon application and
payment of a fee established by the board, apply for registration based on an evaluation of the
applicant's education, experience, and performance record in lieu of completing a board-approved
dental assisting program for expanded functions as defined in rule, and may be interviewed by the
board to determine if the applicant:
(1) has graduated from an accredited dental assisting program accredited by the Commission
of Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, or is currently certified by the
Dental Assisting National Board;
(2) is not subject to any pending or final disciplinary action in another state or Canadian
province, or if not currently certified or registered, previously had a certification or registration in
another state or Canadian province in good standing that was not subject to any final or pending
disciplinary action at the time of surrender;
(3) is of good moral character and abides by professional ethical conduct requirements;
(4) at board discretion, has passed a board-approved English proficiency test if English
is not the applicant's primary language; and
(5) has met all expanded functions curriculum equivalency requirements of a Minnesota
board-approved dental assisting program.
(b) The board, at its discretion, may waive specific registration requirements in paragraph (a).
(c) An applicant who fulfills the conditions of this subdivision and demonstrates the
minimum knowledge in dental subjects required for registration under subdivision 2a must be
registered to practice the applicant's profession.
(d) If the applicant does not demonstrate the minimum knowledge in dental subjects required
for registration under subdivision 2a, the application must be denied. If registration is denied, the
board may notify the applicant of any specific remedy that the applicant could take which, when
passed, would qualify the applicant for registration. A denial does not prohibit the applicant from
applying for registration under subdivision 2a.
(e) A candidate whose application has been denied may appeal the decision to the board
according to subdivision 4a.
History: 1969 c 974 s 6; 1976 c 222 s 76; 1976 c 263 s 3-5; 1978 c 770 s 2-5; 1979 c 50
s 15; 1980 c 596 s 1-3; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1983 c 70 s 4; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 285 s 3; 1993 c
84 s 4-7; 1996 c 273 s 2; 2001 c 37 s 1; 2002 c 370 s 1; 1Sp2003 c 5 s 1-3; 2004 c 279 art
7 s 1; 2005 c 147 art 4 s 2

NOTE: Subdivision 3, paragraph (b), as added by Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter
5, section 3, expires August 1, 2008. Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 5, section 11.

150A.07 [Repealed, 1976 c 222 s 209]

150A.08 LICENSURE AND REGISTRATION ACTIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Grounds. The board may refuse or by order suspend or revoke, limit or
modify by imposing conditions it deems necessary, any license to practice dentistry or dental
hygiene or the registration of any dental assistant upon any of the following grounds:
(1) fraud or deception in connection with the practice of dentistry or the securing of a license
or registration certificate;
(2) conviction, including a finding or verdict of guilt, an admission of guilt, or a no contest
plea, in any court of a felony or gross misdemeanor reasonably related to the practice of dentistry
as evidenced by a certified copy of the conviction;
(3) conviction, including a finding or verdict of guilt, an admission of guilt, or a no contest
plea, in any court of an offense involving moral turpitude as evidenced by a certified copy of
the conviction;
(4) habitual overindulgence in the use of intoxicating liquors;
(5) improper or unauthorized prescription, dispensing, administering, or personal or other
use of any legend drug as defined in chapter 151, of any chemical as defined in chapter 151, or of
any controlled substance as defined in chapter 152;
(6) conduct unbecoming a person licensed to practice dentistry or dental hygiene or
registered as a dental assistant, or conduct contrary to the best interest of the public, as such
conduct is defined by the rules of the board;
(7) gross immorality;
(8) any physical, mental, emotional, or other disability which adversely affects a dentist's,
dental hygienist's, or registered dental assistant's ability to perform the service for which the
person is licensed or registered;
(9) revocation or suspension of a license, registration, or equivalent authority to practice, or
other disciplinary action or denial of a license or registration application taken by a licensing,
registering, or credentialing authority of another state, territory, or country as evidenced by a
certified copy of the licensing authority's order, if the disciplinary action or application denial
was based on facts that would provide a basis for disciplinary action under this chapter and if the
action was taken only after affording the credentialed person or applicant notice and opportunity
to refute the allegations or pursuant to stipulation or other agreement;
(10) failure to maintain adequate safety and sanitary conditions for a dental office in
accordance with the standards established by the rules of the board;
(11) employing, assisting, or enabling in any manner an unlicensed person to practice
dentistry;
(12) failure or refusal to attend, testify, and produce records as directed by the board under
subdivision 7;
(13) violation of, or failure to comply with, any other provisions of sections 150A.01 to
150A.12, the rules of the Board of Dentistry, or any disciplinary order issued by the board, section
144.335 or 595.02, subdivision 1, paragraph (d), or for any other just cause related to the practice
of dentistry. Suspension, revocation, modification or limitation of any license shall not be based
upon any judgment as to therapeutic or monetary value of any individual drug prescribed or any
individual treatment rendered, but only upon a repeated pattern of conduct;
(14) knowingly providing false or misleading information that is directly related to the
care of that patient unless done for an accepted therapeutic purpose such as the administration
of a placebo; or
(15) aiding suicide or aiding attempted suicide in violation of section 609.215 as established
by any of the following:
(i) a copy of the record of criminal conviction or plea of guilty for a felony in violation of
section 609.215, subdivision 1 or 2;
(ii) a copy of the record of a judgment of contempt of court for violating an injunction
issued under section 609.215, subdivision 4;
(iii) a copy of the record of a judgment assessing damages under section 609.215, subdivision
5 ; or
(iv) a finding by the board that the person violated section 609.215, subdivision 1 or 2. The
board shall investigate any complaint of a violation of section 609.215, subdivision 1 or 2.
    Subd. 2.[Repealed, 1976 c 222 s 209]
    Subd. 3. Reinstatement. Any licensee or registrant whose license or registration has
been suspended or revoked may have the license or registration reinstated or a new license or
registration issued, as the case may be, when the board deems the action is warranted.
    Subd. 3a. Costs; additional penalties. (a) The board may impose a civil penalty not
exceeding $10,000 for each separate violation, the amount of the civil penalty to be fixed so as
to deprive a licensee or registrant of any economic advantage gained by reason of the violation,
to discourage similar violations by the licensee or registrant or any other licensee or registrant,
or to reimburse the board for the cost of the investigation and proceeding, including, but not
limited to, fees paid for services provided by the Office of Administrative Hearings, legal and
investigative services provided by the Office of the Attorney General, court reporters, witnesses,
reproduction of records, board members' per diem compensation, board staff time, and travel
costs and expenses incurred by board staff and board members.
(b) In addition to costs and penalties imposed under paragraph (a), the board may also:
(1) order the dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant to provide unremunerated service;
(2) censure or reprimand the dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant; or
(3) any other action as allowed by law and justified by the facts of the case.
    Subd. 4. Records. The executive secretary of the board shall keep a record of all licenses and
registration certificates issued, suspended, or revoked.
    Subd. 5. Medical examinations. If the board has probable cause to believe that a dentist,
dental hygienist, registered dental assistant, or applicant engages in acts described in subdivision
1, clause (4) or (5), or has a condition described in subdivision 1, clause (8), it shall direct the
dentist, dental hygienist, assistant, or applicant to submit to a mental or physical examination or a
chemical dependency assessment. For the purpose of this subdivision, every dentist, hygienist,
or assistant licensed or registered under this chapter or person submitting an application for
a license or registration is deemed to have given consent to submit to a mental or physical
examination when directed in writing by the board and to have waived all objections in any
proceeding under this section to the admissibility of the examining physician's testimony or
examination reports on the ground that they constitute a privileged communication. Failure to
submit to an examination without just cause may result in an application being denied or a default
and final order being entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence, other
than evidence which may be submitted by affidavit, that the licensee, registrant, or applicant
did not submit to the examination. A dentist, dental hygienist, registered dental assistant, or
applicant affected under this section shall at reasonable intervals be afforded an opportunity to
demonstrate ability to start or resume the competent practice of dentistry or perform the duties of
a dental hygienist or registered dental assistant with reasonable skill and safety to patients. In
any proceeding under this subdivision, neither the record of proceedings nor the orders entered
by the board is admissible, is subject to subpoena, or may be used against the dentist, dental
hygienist, registered dental assistant, or applicant in any proceeding not commenced by the
board. Information obtained under this subdivision shall be classified as private pursuant to the
Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
    Subd. 6. Medical records. Notwithstanding contrary provisions of sections 13.384 and
144.651 or any other statute limiting access to medical or other health data, the board may obtain
medical data and health records of a licensee, registrant, or applicant without the licensee's,
registrant's, or applicant's consent if the information is requested by the board as part of the
process specified in subdivision 5. The medical data may be requested from a provider, as defined
in section 144.335, subdivision 1, clause (b), an insurance company, or a government agency,
including the Department of Human Services. A provider, insurance company, or government
agency shall comply with any written request of the board under this subdivision and shall not
be liable in any action for damages for releasing the data requested by the board if the data are
released pursuant to a written request under this subdivision, unless the information is false and
the provider giving the information knew, or had reason to believe, the information was false.
Information obtained under this subdivision shall be classified as private under the Minnesota
Government Data Practices Act.
    Subd. 7. Self-incrimination. No person is excused from attending and testifying at any
proceeding initiated by the board or from producing any document before the board on the
ground that the testimony or evidence required may tend to incriminate the person; but no
person may be prosecuted for any crime related to the matter about which the person testifies or
produces evidence required or requested by the board if the person first claims a privilege against
self-incrimination. This immunity from criminal prosecution does not apply to prosecution for
perjury or contempt committed in testifying or producing the evidence.
    Subd. 8. Suspension of license. In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the board
may, through its designated board members pursuant to section 214.10, subdivision 2, temporarily
suspend a license or registration without a hearing if the board finds that the licensee or registrant
has violated a statute or rule which the board is empowered to enforce and continued practice by
the licensee or registrant would create an imminent risk of harm to others. The suspension shall
take effect upon written notice to the licensee or registrant served by first class mail specifying
the statute or rule violated, and the time, date, and place of the hearing before the board. If the
notice is returned by the post office, the notice shall be effective upon reasonable attempts to
locate and serve the licensee or registrant. Within ten days of service of the notice, the board shall
hold a hearing before its own members on the sole issue of whether there is a reasonable basis to
continue, modify, or lift the suspension. Evidence presented by the board, licensee, or registrant,
shall be in affidavit form only. The licensee or registrant or counsel of the licensee or registrant
may appear for oral argument. Within five working days after the hearing, the board shall issue
its order and, if the suspension is continued, the board shall schedule a disciplinary hearing to
be held pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act within 45 days of issuance of the order.
The administrative law judge shall issue a report within 30 days of the closing of the contested
case hearing record. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days of receiving that report.
The board may allow a person who was licensed by any state to practice dentistry and whose
license has been suspended to practice dentistry under the supervision of a licensed dentist for the
purpose of demonstrating competence and eligibility for reinstatement.
    Subd. 9. Tax clearance certificate. (a) In addition to the grounds provided in subdivision 1
and notwithstanding subdivision 3, the board may not issue or renew a license to practice dentistry
if the commissioner of revenue notifies the board and the licensee or applicant for a license that
the licensee or applicant owes the state delinquent taxes in the amount of $500 or more. The board
may issue or renew the license only if (1) the commissioner of revenue issues a tax clearance
certificate and (2) the commissioner of revenue or the licensee or applicant forwards a copy of the
clearance to the board. The commissioner of revenue may issue a clearance certificate only if the
licensee or applicant does not owe the state any uncontested delinquent taxes.
(b) For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms have the meanings given.
(1) "Taxes" are all taxes payable to the commissioner of revenue, including penalties and
interest due on those taxes.
(2) "Delinquent taxes" do not include a tax liability if (i) an administrative or court action
that contests the amount or validity of the liability has been filed or served, (ii) the appeal period
to contest the tax liability has not expired, or (iii) the licensee or applicant has entered into a
payment agreement to pay the liability and is current with the payments.
(c) In lieu of the notice and hearing requirements of subdivision 8, when a licensee or
applicant is required to obtain a clearance certificate under this subdivision, a contested case
hearing must be held if the licensee or applicant requests a hearing in writing to the commissioner
of revenue within 30 days of the date of the notice provided in paragraph (a). The hearing must
be held within 45 days of the date the commissioner of revenue refers the case to the Office of
Administrative Hearings. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the licensee or applicant must
be served with 20 days' notice in writing specifying the time and place of the hearing and the
allegations against the licensee or applicant. The notice may be served personally or by mail.
(d) The board shall require all licensees or applicants for a license to practice dentistry
to provide their Social Security number and Minnesota business identification number on all
license applications. Upon request of the commissioner of revenue, the board must provide to the
commissioner of revenue a list of all licensees and applicants for a license to practice dentistry
including the name and address, Social Security number, and business identification number. The
commissioner of revenue may request a list of the licensees and applicants no more than once
each calendar year.
History: 1969 c 974 s 8; 1976 c 222 s 77; 1976 c 263 s 6; 1978 c 770 s 6; 1983 c 70 s
5-10; 1984 c 608 s 1; 1984 c 640 s 32; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1986 c 1 art 7 s
9; 1989 c 184 art 2 s 6; 1992 c 559 art 1 s 5; 1992 c 577 s 4; 1993 c 84 s 8; 1999 c 227 s 22;
2003 c 66 s 6,7; 2004 c 279 art 7 s 2

150A.081 ACCESS TO MEDICAL DATA.
    Subdivision 1. Access to data on licensee or registrant. When the board has probable
cause to believe that a licensee's or registrant's condition meets a ground listed in section
150A.08, subdivision 1, clause (4) or (8), it may, notwithstanding sections 13.384, 144.651, or
any other law limiting access to medical data, obtain medical or health records on the licensee or
registrant without the licensee's or registrant's consent. The medical data may be requested from a
provider, as defined in section 144.335, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), an insurance company, or a
government agency. A provider, insurance company, or government agency shall comply with a
written request of the board under this subdivision and is not liable in any action for damages
for releasing the data requested by the board if the data are released under the written request,
unless the information is false and the entity providing the information knew, or had reason to
believe, the information was false.
    Subd. 2. Access to data on patients. The board has access to medical records of a patient
treated by a licensee or registrant under review if the patient signs a written consent permitting
access. If the patient has not given consent, the licensee or registrant must delete data from which
a patient may be identified before releasing medical records to the board.
    Subd. 3. Data classification; release of certain health data not required. Information
obtained under this section is classified as private data on individuals under chapter 13. Under this
section, the commissioner of health is not required to release health data collected and maintained
under section 13.3805, subdivision 2.
History: 1992 c 559 art 1 s 6; 1996 c 440 art 1 s 39; 1999 c 227 s 22

150A.09 REGISTRATION OF LICENSES AND REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES.
    Subdivision 1. Registration information and procedure. On or before the license or
registration certificate expiration date every licensed dentist, dental hygienist, and registered
dental assistant shall transmit to the executive secretary of the board, pertinent information
required by the board, together with the fee established by the board. At least 30 days before a
license or registration certificate expiration date, the board shall send a written notice stating the
amount and due date of the fee and the information to be provided to every licensed dentist,
dental hygienist, and registered dental assistant.
    Subd. 2.[Repealed, 1976 c 222 s 209]
    Subd. 3. Current address, change of address. Every dentist, dental hygienist, and
registered dental assistant shall maintain with the board a correct and current mailing address.
For dentists engaged in the practice of dentistry, the address shall be that of the location of the
primary dental practice. Within 30 days after changing addresses, every dentist, dental hygienist,
and registered dental assistant shall provide the board written notice of the new address either
personally or by first class mail.
    Subd. 4. Duplicate certificates. Duplicate licenses or duplicate certificates of license
renewal may be issued by the board upon satisfactory proof of the need for the duplicates and
upon payment of the fee established by the board.
    Subd. 5. Late fee. A late fee established by the board shall be paid if the information and fee
required by subdivision 1 is not received by the executive secretary of the board on or before the
registration or license renewal date.
    Subd. 6. Continuing education sponsorship fee. The board may establish an application
and renewal fee to be paid by any person who applies to be approved as a continuing dental
education sponsor.
History: 1969 c 974 s 9; 1976 c 222 s 78,79; 1976 c 263 s 7,8; 1978 c 674 s 16; 1978 c
770 s 7,8; 1980 c 596 s 4; 1983 c 70 s 11; 2004 c 279 art 7 s 3

150A.091 FEES.
    Subdivision 1. Fee refunds. No fee may be refunded for any reason.
    Subd. 2. Application fees. Each applicant for licensure or registration shall submit with
a license or registration application a nonrefundable fee in the following amounts in order to
administratively process an application:
(1) dentist, $140;
(2) limited faculty dentist, $140;
(3) resident dentist, $55;
(4) dental hygienist, $55;
(5) registered dental assistant, $35; and
(6) dental assistant with a limited registration, $15.
    Subd. 3. Initial license or registration fees. Along with the application fee, each of the
following licensees or registrants shall submit a separate prorated initial license or registration
fee. The prorated initial fee shall be established by the board based on the number of months of
the licensee's or registrant's initial term as described in Minnesota Rules, part 3100.1700, subpart
1a, not to exceed the following monthly fee amounts:
(1) dentist, $14 times the number of months of the initial term;
(2) dental hygienist, $5 times the number of months of the initial term;
(3) registered dental assistant, $3 times the number of months of initial term; and
(4) dental assistant with a limited registration, $1 times the number of months of the initial
term.
    Subd. 4. Annual license fees. Each limited faculty or resident dentist shall submit with an
annual license renewal application a fee established by the board not to exceed the following
amounts:
(1) limited faculty dentist, $168; and
(2) resident dentist, $59.
    Subd. 5. Biennial license or registration fees. Each of the following licensees or registrants
shall submit with a biennial license or registration renewal application a fee as established by the
board, not to exceed the following amounts:
(1) dentist, $336;
(2) dental hygienist, $118;
(3) registered dental assistant, $80; and
(4) dental assistant with a limited registration, $24.
    Subd. 6. Annual license late fee. Applications for renewal of any license received after
the time specified in Minnesota Rules, part 3100.1750, must be assessed a late fee equal to 50
percent of the annual renewal fee.
    Subd. 7. Biennial license or registration late fee. Applications for renewal of any license
or registration received after the time specified in Minnesota Rules, part 3100.1700, must be
assessed a late fee equal to 25 percent of the biennial renewal fee.
    Subd. 8. Duplicate license or registration fee. Each licensee or registrant shall submit, with
a request for issuance of a duplicate of the original license or registration, or of an annual or
biennial renewal of it, a fee in the following amounts:
(1) original dentist or dental hygiene license, $35; and
(2) initial and renewal registration certificates and license renewal certificates, $10.
    Subd. 9. Licensure and registration by credentials. Each applicant for licensure as a dentist
or dental hygienist or for registration as a registered dental assistant by credentials pursuant to
section 150A.06, subdivisions 4 and 8, and Minnesota Rules, part 3100.1400, shall submit with
the license or registration application a fee in the following amounts:
(1) dentist, $725;
(2) dental hygienist, $175; and
(3) registered dental assistant, $35.
    Subd. 10. Reinstatement fee. No dentist, dental hygienist, or registered dental assistant
whose license or registration has been suspended or revoked may have the license or registration
reinstated or a new license or registration issued until a fee has been submitted to the board
in the following amounts:
(1) dentist, $140;
(2) dental hygienist, $55; and
(3) registered dental assistant, $35.
    Subd. 11. Certificate application fee for anesthesia/sedation. Each dentist shall submit
with a general anesthesia or conscious sedation application a fee as established by the board not
to exceed the following amounts:
(1) for both a general anesthesia and conscious sedation application, $50;
(2) for a general anesthesia application only, $50; and
(3) for a conscious sedation application only, $50.
    Subd. 12. Duplicate certificate fee for anesthesia/sedation. Each dentist shall submit with
a request for issuance of a duplicate of the original general anesthesia or conscious sedation
certificate a fee in the amount of $10.
    Subd. 13. On-site inspection fee. An on-site inspection fee must be paid to the individual,
organization, or agency conducting the inspection and be limited to a maximum fee as determined
by the board. Travel, lodging, and other expenses are not part of the on-site inspection fee.
    Subd. 14. Affidavit of licensure. Each licensee or registrant shall submit with a request for
an affidavit of licensure a fee in the amount of $10.
    Subd. 15. Verification of licensure. Each institution or corporation shall submit with a
request for verification of a license or registration a fee in the amount of $5 for each license or
registration to be verified.
History: 2005 c 147 art 4 s 3

150A.10 ALLIED DENTAL PERSONNEL.
    Subdivision 1. Dental hygienists. Any licensed dentist, public institution, or school authority
may obtain services from a licensed dental hygienist. Such licensed dental hygienist may provide
those services defined in section 150A.05, subdivision 1a. Such services shall not include the
establishment of a final diagnosis or treatment plan for a dental patient. Such services shall be
provided under supervision of a licensed dentist. Any licensed dentist who shall permit any dental
service by a dental hygienist other than those authorized by the Board of Dentistry, shall be
deemed to be violating the provisions of sections 150A.01 to 150A.12, and any such unauthorized
dental service by a dental hygienist shall constitute a violation of sections 150A.01 to 150A.12.
    Subd. 1a. Limited authorization for dental hygienists. (a) Notwithstanding subdivision
1, a dental hygienist licensed under this chapter may be employed or retained by a health care
facility, program, or nonprofit organization to perform dental hygiene services described under
paragraph (b) without the patient first being examined by a licensed dentist if the dental hygienist:
(1) has been engaged in the active practice of clinical dental hygiene for not less than 2,400
hours in the past 18 months or a career total of 3,000 hours, including a minimum of 200 hours of
clinical practice in two of the past three years;
(2) has entered into a collaborative agreement with a licensed dentist that designates
authorization for the services provided by the dental hygienist;
(3) has documented participation in courses in infection control and medical emergencies
within each continuing education cycle; and
(4) maintains current certification in advanced or basic cardiac life support as recognized by
the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or another agency that is equivalent to
the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
(b) The dental hygiene services authorized to be performed by a dental hygienist under this
subdivision are limited to:
(1) oral health promotion and disease prevention education;
(2) removal of deposits and stains from the surfaces of the teeth;
(3) application of topical preventive or prophylactic agents, including fluoride varnishes
and pit and fissure sealants;
(4) polishing and smoothing restorations;
(5) removal of marginal overhangs;
(6) performance of preliminary charting;
(7) taking of radiographs; and
(8) performance of scaling and root planing.
The dental hygienist may administer injections of local anesthetic agents or nitrous oxide
inhalation analgesia as specifically delegated in the collaborative agreement with a licensed
dentist. The dentist need not first examine the patient or be present. If the patient is considered
medically compromised, the collaborative dentist shall review the patient record, including the
medical history, prior to the provision of these services. Collaborating dental hygienists may
work with unregistered and registered dental assistants who may only perform duties for which
registration is not required. The performance of dental hygiene services in a health care facility,
program, or nonprofit organization as authorized under this subdivision is limited to patients,
students, and residents of the facility, program, or organization.
(c) A collaborating dentist must be licensed under this chapter and may enter into a
collaborative agreement with no more than four dental hygienists unless otherwise authorized
by the board. The board shall develop parameters and a process for obtaining authorization to
collaborate with more than four dental hygienists. The collaborative agreement must include:
(1) consideration for medically compromised patients and medical conditions for which a
dental evaluation and treatment plan must occur prior to the provision of dental hygiene services;
(2) age- and procedure-specific standard collaborative practice protocols, including
recommended intervals for the performance of dental hygiene services and a period of time in
which an examination by a dentist should occur;
(3) copies of consent to treatment form provided to the patient by the dental hygienist;
(4) specific protocols for the placement of pit and fissure sealants and requirements for
follow-up care to assure the efficacy of the sealants after application; and
(5) a procedure for creating and maintaining dental records for the patients that are treated by
the dental hygienist. This procedure must specify where these records are to be located.
The collaborative agreement must be signed and maintained by the dentist, the dental hygienist,
and the facility, program, or organization; must be reviewed annually by the collaborating dentist
and dental hygienist; and must be made available to the board upon request.
(d) Before performing any services authorized under this subdivision, a dental hygienist must
provide the patient with a consent to treatment form which must include a statement advising
the patient that the dental hygiene services provided are not a substitute for a dental examination
by a licensed dentist. If the dental hygienist makes any referrals to the patient for further dental
procedures, the dental hygienist must fill out a referral form and provide a copy of the form
to the collaborating dentist.
(e) For the purposes of this subdivision, a "health care facility, program, or nonprofit
organization" is limited to a hospital; nursing home; home health agency; group home serving
the elderly, disabled, or juveniles; state-operated facility licensed by the commissioner of human
services or the commissioner of corrections; and federal, state, or local public health facility,
community clinic, tribal clinic, school authority, Head Start program, or nonprofit organization that
serves individuals who are uninsured or who are Minnesota health care public program recipients.
(f) For purposes of this subdivision, a "collaborative agreement" means a written agreement
with a licensed dentist who authorizes and accepts responsibility for the services performed by the
dental hygienist. The services authorized under this subdivision and the collaborative agreement
may be performed without the presence of a licensed dentist and may be performed at a location
other than the usual place of practice of the dentist or dental hygienist and without a dentist's
diagnosis and treatment plan, unless specified in the collaborative agreement.
    Subd. 2. Dental assistants. Every licensed dentist who uses the services of any unlicensed
person for the purpose of assistance in the practice of dentistry shall be responsible for the acts of
such unlicensed person while engaged in such assistance. Such dentist shall permit such unlicensed
assistant to perform only those acts which are authorized to be delegated to unlicensed assistants
by the Board of Dentistry. Such acts shall be performed under supervision of a licensed dentist.
The board may permit differing levels of dental assistance based upon recognized educational
standards, approved by the board, for the training of dental assistants. The board may also define
by rule the scope of practice of registered and nonregistered dental assistants. The board by rule
may require continuing education for differing levels of dental assistants, as a condition to their
registration or authority to perform their authorized duties. Any licensed dentist who shall permit
such unlicensed assistant to perform any dental service other than that authorized by the board
shall be deemed to be enabling an unlicensed person to practice dentistry, and commission of such
an act by such unlicensed assistant shall constitute a violation of sections 150A.01 to 150A.12.
    Subd. 3. Dental technicians. Every licensed dentist who uses the services of any unlicensed
person, other than under the dentist's supervision and within such dentist's own office, for the
purpose of constructing, altering, repairing or duplicating any denture, partial denture, crown,
bridge, splint, orthodontic, prosthetic or other dental appliance, shall be required to furnish such
unlicensed person with a written work order in such form as shall be prescribed by the rules of
the board; said work order shall be made in duplicate form, a duplicate copy to be retained in
a permanent file in the dentist's office for a period of two years, and the original to be retained
in a permanent file for a period of two years by such unlicensed person in that person's place of
business. Such permanent file of work orders to be kept by such dentist or by such unlicensed
person shall be open to inspection at any reasonable time by the board or its duly constituted agent.
    Subd. 4. Restorative procedures. (a) Notwithstanding subdivisions 1, 1a, and 2, a licensed
dental hygienist or a registered dental assistant may perform the following restorative procedures:
(1) place, contour, and adjust amalgam restorations;
(2) place, contour, and adjust glass ionomer;
(3) adapt and cement stainless steel crowns; and
(4) place, contour, and adjust class I and class V supragingival composite restorations where
the margins are entirely within the enamel.
(b) The restorative procedures described in paragraph (a) may be performed only if:
(1) the licensed dental hygienist or the registered dental assistant has completed a
board-approved course on the specific procedures;
(2) the board-approved course includes a component that sufficiently prepares the dental
hygienist or registered dental assistant to adjust the occlusion on the newly placed restoration;
(3) a licensed dentist has authorized the procedure to be performed; and
(4) a licensed dentist is available in the clinic while the procedure is being performed.
(c) The dental faculty who teaches the educators of the board-approved courses specified
in paragraph (b) must have prior experience teaching these procedures in an accredited dental
education program.
History: 1969 c 974 s 10; 1976 c 263 s 9; 1986 c 444; 1996 c 273 s 3,4; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 2 s
5; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c 5 s 4,5; 2005 c 147 art 4 s 4

150A.11 UNLAWFUL ACTS.
    Subdivision 1. Unlawful practice. It is unlawful for any person to: enable an unlicensed
person to practice dentistry; to practice or attempt to practice dentistry without a license; to
practice dentistry under the name of a corporation or company; or to practice under any name
that may tend to deceive the public or imply professional superiority to or greater skill than that
possessed by another dentist. If a dentist practices under the dentist's own name, any public
display or cards shall include the initials of the dentist's dental degree, such as D.D.S. or D.M.D.,
following the name. If a dentist practices under another name, the name shall include some
designation which makes clear that the person is practicing dentistry or a specialty of dentistry; and
that the names of all of the participating dentists practicing under the name be clearly identified on
letterheads and building or office signs that display a name other than the dentist's own name. Any
communication between dentist and patient shall clearly indicate the name of the dentist treating
the patient. The board may promulgate rules regarding the name under which a dentist may
practice. No corporation shall practice dentistry or engage in it, or hold itself out as being entitled
to practice dentistry, or furnish dental services or dentists, or advertise under or assume the title
of dentists or dental surgeons or equivalent title. No corporation shall furnish dental advice, or
advertise or hold itself out with any other person or alone, that it has or owns a dental office or can
furnish dental service, dentists, or dental surgeons, or solicit, through itself, or its agents, officers,
employees, directors or trustees, dental patronage for any dentist or dental surgeon. This section:
(1) Does not apply to any licensee while acting as an instructor in or under the University
of Minnesota, the Mayo Foundation, or any other school in the state recognized by the state
Board of Dentistry;
(2) Does not prohibit dentists from incorporating their practice of dentistry for business
purposes under the special provisions of a corporate practice act for dentistry;
(3) Shall not be construed to change or amend the right of licensed dentists to provide dental
care under any form of organization that is lawful under the laws of this state, or to contract to sell
their services in any manner that is lawful under the laws of this state.
    Subd. 2. Professional advertising. Public advertising by dentists may be controlled by
reasonable rules of the board. Such rules shall include permission for such things as publication of
a professional card, reasonable signs on or about the place of business, announcements of changes
or opening of offices and telephone listings.
    Subd. 3. Advertising or use of dental services and appliances. No person shall advertise in
any manner the sale, supply, furnishing, construction, reproduction, relining, or repair without a
written work order by a licensed dentist of prosthetic dentures, bridges, plates or other appliances
to be used or worn as substitutes for natural teeth, or for the regulation thereof. All such
advertisements shall contain the words "A written work order from a licensed dentist is required"
in at least 10-point type size. Except for advertising permitted under this subdivision, a person not
licensed to practice dentistry in this state shall not sell or offer any such service or products to
other than the dental profession or its ancillary trades, provided, however that the mere delivery of
such products to an ultimate consumer or person acting in the consumer's behalf for the purpose
of transporting such products to the licensed dentist who provided the work order shall not violate
this subdivision. This subdivision shall not apply to mailings, displays, and advertisements the
primary distribution of which is to the dental profession or its ancillary trades.
    Subd. 4. Dividing fees. It shall be unlawful for any dentist to divide fees with or promise
to pay a part of the dentist's fee to, or to pay a commission to, any dentist or other person who
calls the dentist in consultation or who sends patients to the dentist for treatment, or operation,
but nothing herein shall prevent licensed dentists from forming a bona fide partnership for the
practice of dentistry, nor to the actual employment by a licensed dentist of a licensed dental
hygienist or another licensed dentist.
History: 1969 c 974 s 11; 1980 c 596 s 5; 1983 c 29 s 2; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444

150A.12 VIOLATION AND DEFENSES.
Every person who violates any of the provisions of sections 150A.01 to 150A.12 for which
no specific penalty is provided herein, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor; and, upon
conviction, punished by a fine of not more than $3,000 or by imprisonment in the county jail for
not more than one year or by both such fine and imprisonment. In the prosecution of any person
for violation of sections 150A.01 to 150A.12, it shall not be necessary to allege or prove lack
of a valid license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene but such matter shall be a matter of
defense to be established by the defendant.
History: 1969 c 974 s 12; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11

150A.13 REPORTING OBLIGATIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Permission to report. A person who has knowledge of a registrant or a
licensee unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety by reason of illness, use of alcohol,
drugs, chemicals, or any other materials, or as a result of any mental, physical, or psychological
condition may report the registrant or licensee to the board.
    Subd. 2. Institutions. A hospital, clinic, or other health care institution or organization
located in this state shall report to the board any action taken by the agency, institution, or
organization or any of its administrators or dental or other committees to revoke, suspend, restrict,
or condition a registrant's or licensee's privilege to practice or treat patients or clients in the
institution, or as part of the organization, any denial of privileges, or any other disciplinary action
against a registrant or licensee described under subdivision 1. The institution or organization
shall also report the resignation of any registrants or licensees prior to the conclusion of any
disciplinary action proceeding against a registrant or licensee described under subdivision 1.
    Subd. 3. Dental societies. A state or local dental society or professional dental association
shall report to the board any termination, revocation, or suspension of membership or any other
disciplinary action taken against a registrant or licensee. If the society or association has received
a complaint against a registrant or licensee described under subdivision 1, on which it has not
taken any disciplinary action, the society or association shall report the complaint and the reason
why it has not taken action on it or shall direct the complainant to the board. This subdivision
does not apply to a society or association when it performs peer review functions as an agent
of an outside entity, organization, or system.
    Subd. 4. Licensed professionals. (a) A licensed or registered health professional shall report
to the board personal knowledge of any conduct by any person who the licensed or registered
health professional reasonably believes is a registrant or licensee described under subdivision 1.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a licensed health professional shall report to the board
knowledge of any actions which institutions must report under subdivision 2.
    Subd. 5. Insurers and other entities making liability payments. (a) Four times each
year as prescribed by the board, each insurer authorized to sell insurance described in section
60A.06, subdivision 1, clause (13), and providing professional liability insurance to registrants
or licensees, shall submit to the board a report concerning the registrants and licensees against
whom malpractice settlements or awards have been made to the plaintiff. The report must contain
at least the following information:
(1) the total number of malpractice settlements or awards made;
(2) the date the malpractice settlements or awards were made;
(3) the allegations contained in the claim or complaint leading to the settlements or awards
made;
(4) the dollar amount of each malpractice settlement or award;
(5) the regular address of the practice of the registrant or licensee against whom an award
was made or with whom a settlement was made; and
(6) the name of the registrant or licensee against whom an award was made or with whom a
settlement was made.
(b) A dental clinic, hospital, political subdivision, or other entity which makes professional
liability insurance payments on behalf of registrants or licensees shall submit to the board a
report concerning malpractice settlements or awards paid on behalf of registrants or licensees,
and any settlements or awards paid by a clinic, hospital, political subdivision, or other entity on
its own behalf because of care rendered by registrants or licensees. This requirement excludes
forgiveness of bills. The report shall be made to the board within 30 days of payment of all
or part of any settlement or award.
    Subd. 6. Courts. The court administrator of district court or any other court of competent
jurisdiction shall report to the board any judgment or other determination of the court that
adjudges or includes a finding that a registrant or licensee is mentally ill, mentally incompetent,
guilty of a felony, guilty of a violation of federal or state narcotics laws or controlled substances
act, or guilty of an abuse or fraud under Medicare or Medicaid; or that appoints a guardian of
the registrant or licensee pursuant to sections 524.5-101 to 524.5-502, or commits a registrant or
licensee pursuant to chapter 253B.
    Subd. 7. Self-reporting. A registrant or licensee shall report to the board any personal
action that would require that a report be filed by any person, health care facility, business, or
organization pursuant to subdivisions 2 to 6.
    Subd. 8. Deadlines; forms. Reports required by subdivisions 2 to 7 must be submitted not
later than 30 days after the occurrence of the reportable event or transaction. The board may
provide forms for the submission of reports required by this section, may require that reports be
submitted on the forms provided, and may adopt rules necessary to assure prompt and accurate
reporting.
    Subd. 9. Subpoenas. The board may issue subpoenas for the production of any reports
required by subdivisions 2 to 7 or any related documents.
History: 2002 c 341 s 2; 2004 c 146 art 3 s 47

150A.14 IMMUNITY.
    Subdivision 1. Reporting immunity. A person, health care facility, business, or organization
is immune from civil liability or criminal prosecution for submitting a report in good faith to the
board under section 150A.13, or for cooperating with an investigation of a report or with staff
of the board. Reports are confidential data on individuals under section 13.02, subdivision 3,
and are privileged communications.
    Subd. 2. Program immunity. Members of the board, persons employed by the board,
and board consultants are immune from civil liability and criminal prosecution for any actions,
transactions, or publications in the execution of, or relating to, their duties under section 150A.13.
History: 2002 c 341 s 3

150A.21 REMOVABLE DENTAL PROSTHESES; OWNER IDENTIFICATION.
    Subdivision 1. Patient's name and Social Security number. Every complete upper and
lower denture and removable dental prosthesis fabricated by a dentist licensed under section
150A.06, or fabricated pursuant to the dentist's work order, shall be marked with the name and
Social Security number of the patient for whom the prosthesis is intended. The markings shall be
done during fabrication and shall be permanent, legible and cosmetically acceptable. The exact
location of the markings and the methods used to apply or implant them shall be determined by
the dentist or dental laboratory fabricating the prosthesis. If in the professional judgment of the
dentist or dental laboratory, this identification is not practicable, identification shall be provided
as follows:
(a) The Social Security number of the patient may be omitted if the name of the patient
is shown;
(b) The initials of the patient may be shown alone, if use of the name of the patient is
impracticable;
(c) The identification marks may be omitted in their entirety if none of the forms of
identification specified in clauses (a) and (b) are practicable or clinically safe.
    Subd. 2. Marking older devices. Any removable dental prosthesis in existence prior to
August 1, 1978, which was not marked in accordance with subdivision 1 at the time of its
fabrication, shall be so marked at the time of any subsequent rebasing.
    Subd. 3. Technical assistance. The commissioner of health shall provide technical assistance
for marking methods and materials and other matters necessary to effectuate the provisions
of this section.
    Subd. 4. Failure to comply. Failure of any dentist to comply with this section shall be
deemed to be a violation for which the dentist may be subject to proceedings pursuant to section
150A.08, provided the dentist is charged with the violation within two years of initial insertion of
the dental prosthetic device.
History: 1978 c 716 s 1; 1986 c 444

150A.22 DONATED DENTAL SERVICES.
(a) The commissioner of health shall contract with the Minnesota Dental Association, or
another appropriate and qualified organization to develop and operate a donated dental services
program to provide dental care to public program recipients and the uninsured through dentists
who volunteer their services without compensation. As part of the contract, the commissioner
shall include specific performance and outcome measures that the contracting organization must
meet. The donated dental services program shall:
(1) establish a network of volunteer dentists, including dental specialties, to donate dental
services to eligible individuals;
(2) establish a system to refer eligible individuals to the appropriate volunteer dentists; and
(3) develop and implement a public awareness campaign to educate eligible individuals
about the availability of the program.
(b) Funding for the program may be used for administrative or technical support. The
organization contracting with the commissioner shall provide an annual report that accounts for
funding appropriated to the program by the state, documents the number of individuals served by
the program and the number of dentists participating as program providers, and provides data on
meeting the specific performance and outcome measures identified by the commissioner.
History: 2002 c 399 s 2; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 6 s 41